‘I want to change grassroots level, that is my next mission’published at 17:45
Gymnastics – men’s pommel horse final
More from Team GB’s Max Whitlock speaking to BBC TV after finishing fourth in the men’s pommel horse final: “I want to thank every single person who has supported me along the way. My coach Scott who was down on the floor with me today. He has witnessed every single moment with me, ups and downs, highs and the tough parts too.
“To my family in the audience too who have watched on today. To the people around me who have helped me, I couldn’t thank them enough.”
On his daughter seeing him compete at ther Olympics: “I think it is the proudest feeling. I have done this sport for 24 years and I have always said that I want to have children young so they can watch me compete.
On his career: “I feel very grateful to have been a gymnast, to have done the sport that I love since I was seven years old to now at thirty one. It is a long stint. One of the best comments is when I have inspired young children to get into gymnastics, I have had plenty of them out here from parents saying their child has gotten into the sport after watching me and that is one of the best feelings.
“I am done with competing but I love this sport and now I want to help to change it at grassroots level. Hopefully I can do that. That is my next mission.”